- Thai Marines retook a disputed border area in Trat province after ground clashes with Cambodian forces, the Royal Thai Navy said.
- Thai forces expelled opposing troops and raised the national flag to reaffirm control of the territory.
Thai naval infantry units have retaken a disputed border area in Trat province following intense fighting with Cambodian forces, reasserting Thai control over the territory and raising the national flag to signal restored sovereignty, the Royal Thai Navy said.
According to a statement released by the Royal Thai Navy, forces under the Chanthaburi–Trat Border Defense Command, together with the Trat Marine Task Force, launched a military operation early Sunday to reclaim territory near Ban Sam Lang and Ban Nong Ree in Chamrak subdistrict, Mueang district, Trat province. The area had been occupied by opposing forces who had crossed into Thai territory, the navy said.
Rear Adm. Parat Rattanachaiphan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, said the operation began before dawn and involved heavy clashes on the ground. He said Thai forces acted under the principle of self-defense in accordance with international law, with the primary objective of restoring national sovereignty.
“As of 7:20 a.m., naval forces have fully regained control of the area and successfully expelled all opposing troops,” the navy said in a release. Thai forces subsequently raised the national flag at the site to formally reaffirm Thailand’s sovereignty over the territory.
The reclaimed area includes villages and surrounding terrain considered strategically important due to their proximity to the Thai-Cambodian border. Thai officials said the operation followed repeated incursions by Cambodian forces into the area, prompting a coordinated military response.
Despite the successful recapture, the Royal Thai Navy said intermittent fighting continued in surrounding areas as opposing forces attempted to counterattack. Marine units remain deployed to secure the perimeter and prevent further incursions, operating under what the navy described as principles of necessity and proportionality.
“The situation is being continuously monitored and controlled to ensure the security of the area and to prevent any renewed violation of Thai sovereignty,” the navy said.
The operation marks one of the most direct ground engagements in the current phase of tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, which have escalated in recent weeks. Previous incidents included the capture of armored vehicles by both sides, reported losses of military equipment, and the use of airpower in strikes against military targets.
Thai officials have repeatedly said their forces are acting defensively and only within Thai territory. Cambodian authorities have issued competing claims over some border areas, though no official Cambodian response to the latest operation was immediately available.
The Thai military has emphasized that border operations are being conducted under centralized command to avoid uncontrolled escalation, even as clashes have grown more frequent and intense. The presence of naval infantry reflects the importance Thailand places on securing its eastern border provinces, which include both civilian population centers and key transport routes.
The Royal Thai Navy did not release casualty figures for either side and said further updates would be provided as the situation develops.